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Air fried Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun twist on taco night that pack major crunch and flavor in every bite. Juicy shrimp are breaded and crisped in the air fryer then tossed in creamy sweet spicy sauce. When paired with a tangy cabbage slaw and tucked inside a warm tortilla these tacos disappear fast at family dinners and gatherings.
I made these first during a game day and ended up doubling the batch because even the picky eaters went back for seconds. The mix of spicy creamy sauce and crunchy shrimp is always a hit in our house.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: look for fresh or frozen shrimp that have been peeled deveined and are firm with a sweet sea smell
- Buttermilk: tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch: gives a super light crispy finish use whichever you have
- Panko bread crumbs: add extra crunch go for gluten free panko if needed
- Mayonnaise: makes the bang bang sauce creamy use good quality
- Sweet chili sauce: adds tangy sweetness check ingredient list for real chili and garlic
- Sriracha: brings heat adjust more or less for your spice preference
- Olive oil spray: helps the breading crisp in the air fryer
- Flour or corn tortillas: choose based on your preference soft and pliable tortillas warm up best
- Purple cabbage: adds fresh crunch look for tight heavy heads
- Sour cream: gives the slaw tang and creaminess choose full fat for the best texture
- Lime juice: brightens all the flavors use fresh for best results
- Jalapeño: gives a kick remove seeds for less heat
- Cilantro: brings fresh herbal flavor only use leaves and avoid wilted bunches
- Green onions: add color and sharpness slice at the last minute
- Toppings: like sliced jalapeños extra cilantro or avocado customize to your taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Dredging Station:
- Set out three shallow bowls. Pour buttermilk into one bowl arrowroot powder or cornstarch into the second and panko into the third making sure each is easy to access. This keeps the breading process smooth and tidy.
- Bread the Shrimp:
- Dip each shrimp into buttermilk then into arrowroot powder back into the buttermilk and finally coat with panko. Press gently so crumbs stick. Arrange finished shrimp onto a plate while you work.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Preheat your air fryer to four hundred degrees. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil so shrimp do not stick. Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket leaving space between them. Work in batches if needed. Air fry for six minutes flip the shrimp and cook for another three to five minutes until the breading is golden and shrimp are opaque.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a bowl whisk mayonnaise sweet chili sauce and sriracha until completely smooth and blended.
- Toss the Shrimp in Sauce:
- Once the shrimp are hot and crispy move them to a bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over top. Toss gently until every shrimp is coated with the sauce.
- Prepare the Cabbage Slaw:
- In a mixing bowl combine sour cream mayonnaise and lime juice until smooth. Add shredded cabbage chopped jalapeño and cilantro. Toss thoroughly so the cabbage is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm tortillas using a skillet or microwave so they are soft and pliable. Layer each tortilla with a mound of cabbage slaw then a generous scoop of bang bang shrimp. Finish with green onions and any extra toppings like cilantro or sliced jalapeños.
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I love using fresh lime juice in both the slaw and as a final squeeze over the tacos. One night my family started adding avocado slices and it became our tradition for extra creaminess.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover shrimp and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch. Tortillas keep best when wrapped in a towel to prevent drying out.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp following the same breading and air frying steps. Greek yogurt works as a substitute for sour cream in the slaw. Use whatever tortillas you have on hand even lettuce cups for a low carb version.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve these tacos with fresh lime wedges and a side of black beans or rice. For parties set out all toppings so everyone can build their own. A simple cucumber salad or corn salad makes a refreshing side.
Cultural Context
Bang Bang Shrimp is inspired by American Asian fusion cuisine popular at restaurants but making it at home lets you control the spice and quality. The layering of sweet spicy creamy and crunchy is what makes this dish so addictive and fun.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → How do I make the shrimp extra crispy?
Use panko bread crumbs and spray the coated shrimp lightly with olive oil before air frying to achieve a crisp texture.
- → Can I substitute the flour tortillas?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well, so feel free to use your preference or a gluten-free option.
- → What can I add for more spice?
Add sliced jalapeños or a bit of extra sriracha to boost the heat in the sauce and as a topping.
- → Can I prepare the cabbage slaw ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge to let flavors meld.
- → Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
Mix milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for a few minutes as a quick buttermilk alternative.
- → How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and slightly opaque when cooked through; avoid overcooking as they can become rubbery.